Tools of Satan: The Pride of Life 1 John 2:15-17

Introduction Scripture warns against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). Scripture warns against the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life (1 John 2:15-17). In the temptations of both Eve and Jesus, the devil appealed to the pride of life (Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4:5-7; Luke 4:9- 12). In the temptations of both Eve and Jesus, the devil appealed to the pride of life (Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4:5-7; Luke 4:9- 12).

Definitions The Greek word alazoneia, occurring 2x in the NT (James 4:16; 1 John 2:16), signifies “boastfulness” [Thomas], “pretension, arrogance in word and deed” [BDAG], or “a state of pride or arrogance, but with the implication of complete lack of basis for such an attitude” [Louw]. The Greek word alazoneia, occurring 2x in the NT (James 4:16; 1 John 2:16), signifies “boastfulness” [Thomas], “pretension, arrogance in word and deed” [BDAG], or “a state of pride or arrogance, but with the implication of complete lack of basis for such an attitude” [Louw].

Definitions The Greek word alazōn, occurring 2x in the NT (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2), identifies a “wandering vagabond, hence an impostor, boaster” [Thomas], a “boaster, braggart” [BDAG], or “one who is pretentiously proud and given to bragging about it – ‘braggart, arrogant person’” [Louw]. The Greek word alazōn, occurring 2x in the NT (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2), identifies a “wandering vagabond, hence an impostor, boaster” [Thomas], a “boaster, braggart” [BDAG], or “one who is pretentiously proud and given to bragging about it – ‘braggart, arrogant person’” [Louw].

Summary of Occurrences The boastful pride of life is an effective tool in Satan’s arsenal (1 John 2:15-17, esp. vs. 16). The boastful pride of life is an effective tool in Satan’s arsenal (1 John 2:15-17, esp. vs. 16). Characteristic of fallen humanity (Romans 1:28-32, esp. vs. 30), discernible during difficult times of spiritual apostasy (2 Timothy 3:1-5, esp. vs. 2), boastfulness is oft observed in human plans and purposes (James 4:13-16, esp. vs. 16). Characteristic of fallen humanity (Romans 1:28-32, esp. vs. 30), discernible during difficult times of spiritual apostasy (2 Timothy 3:1-5, esp. vs. 2), boastfulness is oft observed in human plans and purposes (James 4:13-16, esp. vs. 16).

The Scribes & Pharisees The scribes and Pharisees were noted for their strictness (Acts 22:3-5; 26:4-5). The scribes and Pharisees were noted for their strictness (Acts 22:3-5; 26:4-5). Sadly, they were also guilty of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:25-28). Sadly, they were also guilty of hypocrisy (Matthew 23:25-28).

Guilty of the Lust of the Flesh Rebuking the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign…” (Matthew 12:38-40). Rebuking the scribes and Pharisees, Jesus said, “An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign…” (Matthew 12:38-40). Convicting the Jews of sinful hypocrisy, Paul said, “You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?” (Romans 2:17-25, esp. vs. 22). Convicting the Jews of sinful hypocrisy, Paul said, “You who say that one should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery?” (Romans 2:17-25, esp. vs. 22).

Guilty of the Lust of the Eyes By allowing moneychangers and merchandisers in the temple, Jewish leaders manifested a love of mammon (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-47; John 2:13-16). By allowing moneychangers and merchandisers in the temple, Jewish leaders manifested a love of mammon (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-17; Luke 19:45-47; John 2:13-16). The scribes and Pharisees devoured widows’ houses and for a pretense made long prayers (Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:38- 40; Luke 20:46-47). The scribes and Pharisees devoured widows’ houses and for a pretense made long prayers (Matthew 23:14; Mark 12:38- 40; Luke 20:46-47).

Guilty of the Pride of Life The main object of the scribes and Pharisees was to be seen of men (Matthew 23:1-12; cf. 6:1-6, 16-18). The main object of the scribes and Pharisees was to be seen of men (Matthew 23:1-12; cf. 6:1-6, 16-18). They arrogantly bound where God had loosed, and loosed where God had bound (Matthew 15:1-14). They arrogantly bound where God had loosed, and loosed where God had bound (Matthew 15:1-14). They also trusted in themselves that they were righteous (Matthew 23:29-33; Luke 18:9-14). They also trusted in themselves that they were righteous (Matthew 23:29-33; Luke 18:9-14).

Conclusion Rather than sing our own praises, let us boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Rather than sing our own praises, let us boast in the Lord (1 Corinthians 1:26-31). Instead of trusting in vain human comparisons, seek the commendation of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:12-18). Instead of trusting in vain human comparisons, seek the commendation of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:12-18). As a substitute for self-exaltation, let us trust in God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). As a substitute for self-exaltation, let us trust in God’s grace (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). In place of prideful arrogance, may we practice agape love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). In place of prideful arrogance, may we practice agape love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).